Autism in adults: signs, symptoms and diagnosis

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an autism spectrum that helps identify people’s needs and developmental abilities. Differences in learning styles and behavior, experiencing restricted movements, reduced social communication, and delayed milestones in childhood are all symptoms of autism. Some autistic people may not be diagnosed in childhood, but may experience signs of autism as adults. Getting a diagnosis and seeking appropriate support can help a person with autism live a better life.

Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) falls under the category of neurodevelopmental disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). Autism is known as a developmental disorder because it develops in the first three years of life and is chronic. Clinical psychologist and psychotherapist Neha Patel lists the broad signs and symptoms of autism in adults.

What is Autism?

Autism is a developmental and neurological disorder that affects the way we interact with others and states National Institute of Mental Health”ASD is a spectrum disorder with a neurological basis, where the abilities and characteristics of individuals with ASD vary greatly from one another based on where they stand on the spectrum,” explains Patel.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) autistic individuals have difficulties communicating with others, their interests are limited and repetitive in nature. These people do not perform well in school or at work

Signs of Autism in Adults

• Anxiety about social situations
• Difficulty making friends and maintaining close relationships
• Limited or no employment opportunities
• Low participation in education, especially beyond high school
• Challenges in holding conversations and understanding idioms and sarcasm
• Difficulty maintaining eye contact
• Inability or repressed ability to understand others’ emotions through expressions and body language
• Difficulty understanding what others are thinking and feeling through social cues
• Challenges in regulating one’s own emotions
• Difficulty expressing how they feel
• Difficulty understanding social rules
• Limited independence, the majority of adults with ASD live with their families

Also Read: How to Detect Autism Early to Avoid Problems?

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Signs of restricted and repetitive behavior in autistic adults

Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors (RRBs) are repetitive, inflexible, unchanging and sometimes inappropriate behaviors that interfere with daily functioning and interactions with the environment, says Patel. However, the frequency and severity of restricted and repetitive behaviors decrease with age.

RRBs can be classified into four broad subtypes:

• Repetition of stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, objects, and patterns of speech.
• Insistence on doing the same thing, inflexibility in routines, resistance to change, or conservative patterns of verbal or nonverbal behavior.
• Highly restricted, stable interests that are “extraordinary” in intensity or focus.
• Hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or abnormal interests in sensory aspects of the environment.

Sensory features of autism in adults

Sensory symptoms can be defined as hyperactivity (over-responsiveness) or hyporeactivity (under-responsiveness) to environmental stimuli. The various reactions of autistic adults to stimuli in the environment are as follows:

• High movements such as jumping, twisting or bumping into objects.
• Increased self-stimulation behaviors such as waving the arms, making repetitive noises, or rocking back and forth
• Talking more quickly and loudly or becoming non-verbal
• Covering the ears or eyes in response to sensory overload.
• Challenges in recognizing internal physiological cues such as hunger, pain, or the urge to use the restroom.
• Resistance or insistence on certain foods or items of clothing.
• Frequent chewing of non-food items.
• Engaging in regular physical contact or rough play with others.
• Communication difficulties or delayed responses due to reallocation of brain resources to handle sensory stimuli (shutdown).
• Intensification of emotions or a strong desire to escape the situation (meltdown)

Autism diagnosis in adults

There is no physical test to diagnose autism. A diagnosis of autism in adults is made through a series of individual tests and observations, after the symptoms are discussed. The current DSM-5 criteria defines autism in adults. Once the possibility of any physical illness has been ruled out for your symptoms, you will be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist for evaluation. The professional will base their evaluation on self-reported symptoms and how you answer their questions. Your medical history about how you were in childhood and how you are now can also provide crucial information for your diagnosis. References from friends as well as family members including parents and siblings are also taken into consideration.

Finally, diagnostic tools are administered by experts to arrive at a formal diagnosis. A diagnostic assessment tool designed to assess adults with ASD is called the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) Module 4. Other diagnostic tools such as the Autism Diagnosis Interview-Revised (ADI-R) are also used to assess autism in children. and adults.

Also Read: World Autism Awareness Day: Here’s How To Manage Autism Spectrum Disorder

Can adults with autism lead normal lives?

Autism cannot be cured, but there are ways to deal with the disorder. Getting a diagnosis is the first step you can take toward dealing with autism. One of the main problems faced by people with autism is easily anxious due to the pressures and demands and expectations of leading a social life. Autistic adults benefit from consistent routines, practicing self-care and focusing on their strengths.